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Blue River, CO Location and Overview The state of Colorado is home to over 9000 miles of trout streams. Of these, a select few waters have been granted the coveted designation of Gold Medal Waters by the Colorado Wildlife Commission, recognizing the superior quality of the trout fishing in these streams. One of these Gold Medal areas is the stretch of the Blue River which flows through the town of Silverthorne just north of Dillon Reservoir. Get rid of any preconceived notions you may have about what makes an epic trophy trout stream. The Blue River is not tucked away in some secluded wilderness. It is easily accessible from major roads, and runs for some of its most productive length right next to an outlet mall. The trout fishing, though, is outstanding. Think you can't catch whopper-sized trout right in the middle of town? Think again. To get to the Blue River, take Interstate 70 about 60 miles west from Denver, CO (check out the map). Fishermen rate the Blue River:

Fishin' The Blue River
The Blue River is generally divided into two sections: the Upper Blue River, which flows north into the town of Breckenridge and empties into Dillon Reservoir north of town, and the Lower Blue River, which flows out of Dillon Reservoir and continues north to Green Mountain Reservoir. Although some good fishing can be had in the waters south of Breckenridge and in the town itself, by far the best fishing for trophy trout is found in the tailwater area just below Dillon Reservoir. Here anglers can try their luck against both browns and rainbows.

Only artificial flies and lures may be used in the Blue River from County Road 3 (app. 3 miles north of Breckenridge) downstream to the Colorado River, with the exception of Dillon and Green Mountain Reservoirs. The first couple miles of river downstream from Dillon Dam to the northern city limit of the town of Silverthorne are catch and release only, which means there are some monster trout to be had here. Most of the fish caught in this area average 16 to 17 inches, with 4- to 6-pounders being fairly common. Rainbows in the 10-pound range have been taken right below Dillon Dam. Don't be fooled by the river's urban surroundings - this is a perfect habitat for trout, thanks to the large number of mysis shrimp which are released into the river from Dillon Reservoir. These shrimp create a nutrient-rich environment for the area's piscine population. Fly fishermen tend to do very well with assorted midges here in during winter and spring. Other productive patterns include Parachute Adams, egg patterns, Miracles, Goldies, Black Beauties, and Flashback WD-40's.

Farther downstream past the catch-and-release area, the fish tend to get smaller, but 18-inch and longer rainbows are still a possibility. In the 15 or so miles of river between Silverthorne and Green Mountain Reservoir there is a two-fish limit, with a 16-inch minimum size. Try fishing midges and Blue-Wing Olives in the spring and fall. During July and August, anglers generally do well with Green Drakes, Red Quills, Pale Morning Duns, caddis, stoneflies and terrestrials. This stretch of the Blue abounds with deep pools, riffles, and boulders - all excellent holding habitat for trout. Access is easy from a number of locations along CO State Highway 9.

Below Green Mountain Reservoir, the fishing remains good all the way to the Colorado River. Access to the river becomes more problematic, though, as it runs through private property in many places.

The USGS posts current flow information for the Blue River on their website.

Remember that the Blue River is closed to fishing from October 1 to January 31.

Blue River Weather
Much of the Blue River sits at or above 8000 feet above sea level, which means mild summers and downright cold winters. High temperatures typically range from the high 20's in wintertime to the low 70's during summer. Lows drop from 45 during the summer to well below freezing in winter. Most of the Blue downstream from Dillon Reservoir freezes in the winter.

This area can get very windy as well. Like any mountainous area, sudden thunderstorms are always a possibility at any time of the year, even during good weather. Remember to always check the latest forecast before going out.

Click here to see current weather conditions and forecasts for the town of Silverthorne, CO.

Lodging and Camping
Since the Blue River runs through a well-populated area of Colorado, finding a hotel is rarely a problem. Lodging is available around the Dillon Reservoir area in the towns of Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne, as well as at the Melody Lodge Cabins in the town of Heeney near Green Mountain Reservoir.

The Blue River is located within the Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest, which means there are an even dozen U.S. Forest Service campgrounds located reasonably close to the river. These include Blue River Campground, Cataract Creek Campground, Elliott Creek Campground, Heaton Bay Campground, Lowry Campground, McDonald Flats Campground, Peak One Campground, Pine Cove Campground, Prairie Point Campground, Prospector Campground, Willows Campground, and Windy Point Group Camp. Follow the individual links for more information on each campground, or you can call the Dillon Ranger District at (970) 468-5400. More information on camping throughout the White River National Forest may be found on the U.S. Forest Service's website.

RV enthusiasts looking for a more luxurious experience will find their needs catered to at the Tiger Run RV Resort in Breckenridge. Tiger Run also offers small "chalets" for nightly rental.

Licensing and Regulations
All anglers age 16 and older must have a valid Colorado fishing license in their possession while fishing. A Colorado Wildlife Habitat stamp is also required for all anglers between the ages of 19 and 64. This stamp allows access to state wildlife areas and lands leased by the state, which include some of the areas along parts of the Blue River. Hikers and other users of state wildlife areas must also purchase a habitat stamp. Anglers who want to fish with more than one rod, including those under the age of 16, must purchase a second rod stamp.

There are a number of special regulations that apply to most of the Blue River. These are summarized below.

From the north inlet at CR 3 (Coyne Valley Road, 3 miles north of Breckenridge) to the Colorado River, except for Dillon and Green Mountain Reservoirs, only artificial flies and lures may be used. No fishing is permitted from October 1 to December 31.

That part of the river from Dillon Dam downstream to the northern Silverthorne city limit is catch and release only. So is the area from Green Mountain Dam downstream to the Colorado river. In the rest of the river as described above, a bag and possession limit of two trout applies. The minimum length is 16 inches.

The area from Green Mountain Dam downstream to the Colorado river is catch and release only.

In Dillon and Green Mountain Reservoirs, fishing is permitted year round. A bag limit of 4 trout per day applies, with an 8-fish possession limit. Snagging kokanee is permitted in Green Mountain Reservoir from September 1 to December 31. There is a 10-fish limit for kokanee.

The first full weekend in June is a free fishing weekend, and no fishing license is required. All other regulations apply.

In Colorado, fishing is not permitted on privately owned land without the permission of the landowners. Be sure to stay on public access land unless you first obtain that permission.

For the complete Colorado fishing regulations, click here.

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